50 51

Nature 52 ature in is generous for the extension of its woods and highlands but also for the beauty and Nhealth of its parks ( ,Sila, and aspromonte) and of its protected areas, and not the least for the diversity of its landscapes made of valleys, rivers, gorges, lakes, wo- ods and massifs which the Institution of the 3 parks protect and make possible to visit through paths ,visiting centres, refugee a wide number of games and sports activities, and educational journeys. all this for an active and nature tou- rism all year round. But the particular thing of Calabrian parks are that, though they are near the coast it permits to, within a few km drive to reach the seashore, so to have a differ holiday. 53 “In the eastern side of Pollino, 54 ancient bulwarks-shaped rocky mountains change into massive stonelike-waves, whose feet are bathed by impetuuos torrent-like rivers such as Raganello” 55 56 POLLINO WILd SPIrIt

he widest and one of the wildest protec- 15th and 16th century. For the ones that t ted area in . On the border line of love high altitude the Pollino is the ideal Basilicata and Calabria are the highest pe- place. Lots of geological routes promoted aks of the middle part of Italy covered with by local association, to discover and fol- 57 snow for great part of the year. the Lori- low the “timpe” (a local way to define the cato pine is symbol of the park. It’ s a very rocky paths) through a breathless natural big conifer that survives only on rocky pe- landscapes where you can go across the aks of the Pollino, and where you can find flights of eagles. a great number of caves over 2ooo specimen. to see them you need and gorges that can be explored only with to walk for a couple of hours among spec- specific sport activities like potholing and tacular beeches and a lot of them that go on mountain streaming, give excitement to excursion would like to touch and take pho- those who love these extreme sports ma- tos. the vast and uncontaminated territory king the Pollino a unique Place, like a book has many Paleonthological sites like the open on the history of the earth and its be- romito cave and the Mercure valley and ginning. the accommodation at the park archaeological sites dated up to the Greek of Pollino is characterized by a number colonization Sanctuaries, Convents, Cast- of Bed and Breakfast and agri-tourism les , historical squares. Still today we can that give the possibility to see the territory breathe the fascination of its history joined through different activities and tasting the to the agricultural life, tradition feasts and typical products such as cheese, sausages the traditions of the albanian origin of the and homemade pasta. Wildlife reserve of Pollino

VaLLey OF “raGaNeLLO” find the Ecomuseum of Raganello and the Devil’s Certainly the most spectacular and wildest valley of the Bridge, the ethnic Museum of Arbresh culture. From Pollino Park and it’s completely in the Calabrian area Civita you can go canoeing through the gorges of near the borderline with Basilicata. Here in a very im- Raganello. pressive scenery we can find: rocky faces hundreds Cassano allo Ionio: Saint Angelo’s Caves, Archeolo- of meters high ,deep gorges and impressive woods gical Museum of Sibari and State Museum of Sibari. of beech(in Fagosa) and oak (Wood of Santa Venere), Frascineto: Icon Museum, Arbresh costume Mu- fairy-tale sources. The stream Raganello goes deep seum. It’s possibile to practice climbing. down the Barile gorge and comes back out 3 km further Castrovillari: Archeological Museum on in front of San Lorenzo Bellizzi (CS) Here the valley is Morano Calabro: The Nibbio centre of Natural bright and clear but just for a few km where it narrows Studies, Museum of pasteurization. up again creating the extraordinary Canyon del Raga- Francavilla Marittima: Archeological Park of Raga- nello. After about 7km of a tortuous and dark course nello which seems to be the longest and most interesting and Cerchiara di Calabria: Thermal baths in the Cave of beautiful gorge of the Pollino if not of the entire Ap- Ninfee Lusiadi, Sanctuary of Madonna delle Armi. 58 penninic Mountain range, the stream flows freely again San Lorenzo Bellizzi: The gorges of Barile from towards Civita (CS) quickly after the Devil’s bridge and where yuo can reach the gorges of Raganello under the inhabitant area the valley opens towards the EVENTS Gulf of Sibari in a wide swollen river embellished during Italian Albanians Easter summer with oleander flowers. Le Vallje – An epic folkoristic dance to honour MAIN SITES Skanderberg-Tuesday after Easter. Civita: town of Italian Albanian origins where we can Pollino Carnival – Castrovillari

Pollino Civita Vallje International Summer Folklore – Castrovillari MAIN SITES Pita Feast – Alessandria del Carretto - The Ghost Village of Laino Borgo Radications – Alessandria del Carretto - Rafting and other sports activities on the river Lao THINGS TO TASTE - Prehistorical Cave of Romito at Papasidero. Home made pasta, wild boar and kid, and typical EVENTS Italian – Albanian dishes(Civita) Festival of the Village (August) – Laino Borgo The wine Pollino DOC of Frascineto La Guidaica (Easter) – Laino Borgo The Passito of Saracena – Garrison slow food. Donkey Race (August) – Laino Borgo

VaLLey OF LaO arGeNtINIaN VaLLey The Valley of Lao is of extraordinary beauty and The principal aim of the Natural Reserve of the Val- of great natural and historical interest.Once it en- ley of the Argentinian river is to protect the wonder- ters the Calabrian Territory, the river Lao crosses ful area of wilderness, a virgin area never touched the towns Laino Borgo, Laino Castello, Papasidero, by man. Studies have been done on the Biology of and Orsomarso The National Reserve of the Valley the Italic roe-deer to protect and preserve specie. of Lao extends in the valley captured between high Among the most wild and protected areas of Cala- 59 banks and woods with an environment full of ca- bria, the Natural reserve of the Valley of Argentino ves where prehistorical remains have been found, river is assessable from the town of Orsomarso. above all, those of Romito. Together with the Ar- Apart from the typical excursions and nature acti- gentino river, the natural reserve of the Lao Valley vities that permit to look at the wild environment , is visited by many people because of the possibility the reserve offers the possibility to practice rafting to do rafting. down the Argentinian river.

Valley of Lao Pollino 60 61 62 tHe SILa tHe WILdLIFe Park FOr aLL

he word Sila derives from the Latin word abbot, theologian and writer Giocchino da tSilva for the great number of forests that Fiore, the traditional handmade textiles, cover the territory, and for this reason it is goldsmiths, pasteurization of cheese, meet called “Great Wood of Italy” and it has been and mushrooms. used by and romans to build their you can visit the park by foot, horse-riding ships. Its symbols are attached to its history ,mountain-bike, take pictures, go bird- and territory and therefore to its pines, wol- watching, practice sports such as canoeing , ves, lakes and bandits. the inaccessible and snow sports during the winter season, watch wild nature and smooth declines enchants syberian husky while crossing the hills with the traveller that embraced by the immense dog sleigh in the month of February For those space, breathes the perfume of wood, the best that love snow Camigliatello Silano, Lorica, 63 unpolluted air in europe. Symbol of Wildli- and Villaggio Mancuso have all the services fe is the appeninic Wolf now considered the and equipments for winter sports. “mascot” of the park, and that together with Of big interest seem to be the specialized area its friends of the Fallistro Company, gui- for the environmental education,Museums des and educates to respect the park. In the built in natural spaces like Centro Visite Cu- Biogenetic reserve “the Giants of Fallistro” pone and Centro Visite antonio Garcea. In there are the most imposing specimen called these Museums it is possible to follow a senso- “Giants of the Sila” 53 plants, comprehen- rial journey for blind and for those that have ding 5 mountain maples over 450 years old handicaps. For families and children there the Natural Biogenetical reserve of Fallistro are 2 adventure – parks for horse-riders 100 also called Giants of Sila, is one of the most km to follow the routes of history and tales, visited areas of the Sila, obligatory for who that surround the bandits. For families that comes to visit the National Wildlife Park of like to travel in camper, just in front of the the Sila. the National Wildlife Park of the Head-Office of the National Wildlife Park of Sila is not only nature but also history, cul- the Sila is the equipped area that faces to the ture and tradition and among its resources arvo Lake, Its scenery reminds us the Scan- we have to recall the artist Mattia Preti, the dinavian Landscape. Main Sites

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taVerNa in a healthy place amongst the green woods. The A town in the Catanzaro Province where you can houses with the outside decorations of white and find Villaggio Mancuso and Ciricilla the place whe- brown sticks bring us in mind the Mountain Chalets re to practice winter sports.Taverna is also famous in the valley of Switzerland. The village has a good for Mattia Preti’s origins. A visit to Taverna is very service for accommodations, it’s near to most of the important because here you find the Civic Museum important local tourism places of the “Sila Piccola” where the paintings of this Artist are kept.The world like Ciricilla known for its winter activities, the knows him as the “Calabrian Knight” the Biogenetica Reserve of “Poverella” and the tou- rist Village “Racise” VILLaGGIO MaNCuSO In the borough of Taverna in what we call the “Small raCISe Sila” between the lake “Serbatoio del Passante” and In this place there’s the Centre for Visitors – Area of the mountains Gariglione and Femminamorta: The the “Sila Piccola” of the National Wildlife Park- with village is in the and has a lot lots of cultural and naturalistic attractions; the two of tourists visiting it all year round; it’s a place of re- places are adjacent; In this Centre we find the Her- laxation for those who want to spend their holidays bs Garden, the Deer Centre, the Environmental and 65 66 Diffusion Centre of the Roe-deer and Deer. Down SaN GIOVaNNI IN FIOre the didactic path, that leads to the enchanting small This small town is strictly linked to the name of Gio- valley of the “Simmerino Mountain Stream” there acchino da Fiore, a prophet of the XII century, who are lots of wooden bridges and ancient huts recon- here founded the Abbazia Florense. structed as well as huts where they work the coal. In 1884 this centre became famous all over the na- Wonderful site is the mountain lake surrounded by tion for the events alsp related to the capture of very tall “Laricio Pine Trees” After you have visited the Italian Bandiera brothers and all other patriots, “Centro Monaco” a few km away, there’s Villaggio involved in the Racise, Ciricilla with its tracks and those deeper in shipment. The Carpets School is another important of Tirivolo and Buturo. cultural centre to visit since weaving art in San Gio- vanni in Fiore represented a heritage for centuries. LONGOBuCCO The whole small town is recognized as the most im- It is famous for wrought iron, wood, stone proces- portant centre in Calabria in the field of weaving , sing and for wool, silk, cotton textile manufactures an art inherited from 1600. The ‘florense’ jewelry as well as hand stitched fabrics with ancient and art is once again linked to the handcrafts produc- modern drawings. In this country there is a perma- tion of the wonderful jewels adorning the local co- nent exhibition of handcrafts fabrics. stume of women in San Giovanni. 67

“Coniferous forests alternate themselves with great plains, illuminating the bottom of the river basins” aSPrOMONte MySterIOuS SOuL

n the bottom part of Italy’s Peninsula, in that reminds the gestures of this hero. We Ifront of the ,the severe can also find a group of paths organized by and wild Massif of aspromonte represents “Gruppo Gea” a group of excurtionists,that the mysterious and unknown areas of Italy. offer the opportunity to practice activities in the name “aspromonte” the most important natural areas of aspro- Means “Pure White” and it was given to it monte. 68 by the Greek population that lived on the Io- We have to notify the “rete dei Centri Visi- nian Coast and that admired the pure sha- ta” progect that provides the function, inte- pes of this Massif. In this last part of the gration and promotion of 7 structures of the peninsula, nature is exclusive because of its park, each one characterized by ba specific strong contrast between mountains and sea theme(Olive Oil, archeologic Industryof an- that surrounds it like as if it was an island. cient mills and olive press,the strong cultu- So there are mountain environments and re identity around the Greek area, the Ob- alps very near to the coast. easy to get to servatory of the Calabrian biodiversity,the from ,Bagnara and Bova- aspromonte Fauna and Flora,artistic and lino as well as other LitoranianCentres. the Historical aspects of Magna Grecia) aim to maggior part of the Massif is in Gambarie promote and join the principle attractive ele- d’aspromonte; where we find the National ments of all the aspromont terriritory. Lar- Wild life Park, several high quality accom- ge interest the Greek area of Historical ori- modations for those who want to visit the gins and where Greece lived and still lives. Massif. at Gambarie is the Ceppo of Gari- amongst the most beautiful villages in Italy, baldi ,a tree with a hollow where Garibaldi’s we find Bova, as well as Gerace and Scilla companions laid him to rest when he was moral capital of the Greek area, which re- wounded. Near the tree there’s a Mausuleum presents the island of the Minor Culture but where its possible to discover hidden treasu- res. For the tourist that wants to search this Greek adventure it will be found on the faces of the people, in their gestures, in their lan- guage and in the Greek idiom that we can still hear at Galliiano, Bova, raghudi; in the ruins of infinite Byzantine Chapels, in the 69 remains of the Fresco surviving, in the ca- stles, witness of defence, sometimes desprete and witness of all the attacks. the best way to visit the territory of the Calabrian Gre- eks is to go through the “Sentiero dell’Ingle- se” (english Path ) a pathway inspired by edward Lear’s experience and that collec- ted in his diary the journey in this land. the Sentiero dell’ Inglese allows the tourist to di- scover this territory, by foot with the help of a local guide and a patient donkey that car- ries the luggage, reaching at every stage, a small village where you can find hospitali- ty and accommodation in one of several ho- mes that the Local Community has put in disposition,creating a model such as Bed and Breakfast. Main Sites

PeNtedattILO language and traditions, even in music and gastronomy. Village half abandoned and named like this for its 5 peaks similar to 5 finger tips. GeraCe The city preserves still today a Medieval fascination, its BOVa in the Aspromont National Park.The city center, espe- The town is located in a landscape over the ruins of a cially the ancient village, is full of Churches, Palaces, pla- castle and has a lovely city centre where you can visit ces dug in stones that once were homes or workshops. the Cattredral, the Byzantine Church of the Holy Spirit, You can also admire a Castle and Cattredral both of Mesiani Palace, Basilica of Saint Leo. Norman Era but even other mouments and structures Galliciano’: Village that preserves its of different periods and architect styles.

Pentedattilo

70 StILO Bulwark of Byzantine Calabria , Stilo has a long and mysterious history, beginning way back in the Gre- ek Colony period and making it more fascinating with the installation in the territory of a large num- ber of “Laure” (monk organization) of the Orien- tal Monk Period and the main witness of this is the “Cattolica”. A small temple of the 9th century that recalls the classical touch of the Byzantine church on a square plan with a Greek Croce, with 3 apse towards east and 5 small domes. Here the Basilian Scilla Monks that had found refugee from the persecu- tions of those that didn’t agree with their ideal of “Many small areas poverty and refuge from the world full of language, MONaSteraCe culture, history Its known for its summer attractions, built on the 71 ancient area of Kaulon.The territory and sea are an and landscape immense Archaeological Park with remains of the diversities, interlaced ancient city.The ancient village is built on the ruins all time along, of the Medieval Castle. make Calabria Gerace a land of a thousand faces”

SCILLa Important touristic beach place a further North from Reggio Calabria.Its one of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in Italy, destination of Artists of every time and nationality as well as the places for summer vacations. 72 tHe Serre reGIONaL NaturaL Park HIStOry aNd SPIrItuaLIty

t is a protected natural area established ture reserve, is marked by the bands that I in 2004. Located between aspromonte are perimetric to zone a; zone C, protec- and Sila, it is crossed by two long mountain tion area, is the largest of the whole park, ranges that, for their particular alignment, characterized by agro-forestry-pastoral resemble the teeth of a saw. and handicraft activities; zone d, develop- the area is nestled in an uncontamina- ment area, includes urban centers, peri-ur- ted nature characterized by a bewildering ban areas, those areas meant for expansion charm: the wide forests, including the “Fo- and for touristic and manufacturing settle- rest of Stilo”, numerous rivers with wa- ments. Zone 5 covers the oasis of the an- 73 terfalls, such as the Marmarico waterfal- gitola lake. ls -the highest ones -in the town of Bivongi Geologically, the park is characterized by and that of Pietra Cupa on the torrent assi granites, porphyries, serpentines, quartz of Guardavalle. History and legend blend diorites and rocks. Its rich and varied fau- together in the ancient sites still pervaded na and flora can be observed along the by the myth of the brigand Beppe Musoli- many irresistibly beautiful and interesting no. the Park, whose area is 17,687 hecta- paths such as that achieved by the CaI, res, covers 27 Municipalities and 3 Pro- the Italian alpine Club, in memory of Pier vinces, Catanzaro, reggio Calabria and Giorgio Frassati, the saint from turin saint, . who died at the age of 24, who had intensely It’s divided into 5 zones because of the va- loved and lived the mountain. riety of natural environments that charac- the “Frassati” path unravels between the terize it and which need appropriate mea- towns of Serra San Bruno and Mongiana. It sures of protection and preservation. combines spiritual, historical and natura- Zone a, strict nature reserve, includes ar- listic aspects with significant traces of in- chiforo forest, the forest of Santa Maria dustrial archeology and mountain anthro- and Pecoraro Mount; zone B, oriented na- pology. Cultural and natural attractions of the Park

rIaCe eCOMuSeuM OF tHe IrON - WOrkS Located on the eastern side of the Serre, this small aNd IrON - FOuNdrIeS OF CaLaBrIa town, whose origins date back to the Aragonese It is located in Bivongi. Its purposes are the rese- period, was, as Stilo’s hamlet, a flourishing agricul- arch, the study, the preservation and cultural pro- tural centre known for its iron and silver mines. It motion of the industrial archeology of the area and was famous in the past, for broom processing and of the huge heritage still existing in the Vallata dello weaving. Stilaro (the Valley of Stilaro), the so called “cradle Internationally known for the “Bronzi”. of early southern industrialization”, the Ecomuseum aims at the rediscovery and repossession of the hi- Stilo storical and cultural roots of the people of the area, reusing them as a driving force for social and eco- nomic growth. The most interesting traces of this rich industrial heritage date back to the Spanish and the Bourbon hegemony. But it was during the Iron Age already 74 that the indigenous peoples exploited the mineral resources of the area. The Greeks contributed to the development of this industry, even the Romans instituted, near Stilo, a penal colony for the damnata ad metalla who worked in the mines of Pazzano.

FerdINaNdea It’s a vast area located among the towns of Stilo, Bi- vongi, Brognaturo, Mongiana and Serra San Bruno. Bourbons’ game reserve first, it was later converted into an iron and steel industrial center: two factories worked there the iron extracted from the mines of the nearby Mount Stella. 75 PrOteCted MarINe area “CaPO rIZZutO” - Crotone FaNCy a HOLIday? COMe aNd dISCOVer tHe Sea BedS OF tHe aMP

he aMP (Protected Marine area) of Capo and they have been differently classified. trizzuto, established by law in 1991, is Zone a corresponds to the sea areas sur- delimited by eight headlands, between Ca- rounding Capocolonna and Capo Cimiti pocolonna, precious archaeological site and and to the sea area in front of Capo Bian- symbol of the grandeur of , co, where there is a more rigid system of and Punta Le Castella, where the aragone- protection if compared to the remaining se stronghold is located; this small town is area of General reserve. Zone B (General the birthplace of uguk- alì said uocchialì reserve, surrounding the areas of zone a) by the people from Crotone. John dionigi, and zone C (Partial reserve) include the 76 a poor fisherman from Le Castella, captu- remaining sea area within the perimeter red and enslaved by the turks, became the of the marine protected area. undisputed and feared admiral of the Ot- From a morphological point of view, the toman fleet as uguk-ali. aMP is the prolongation in the three different areas of Strict Nature re- of the hill ranges of the Marquisate of Cro- serve have been identified within the aMP, tone: sands and conglomerates overlap se- 77

diments and rocks that date back to the boats with transparent keels to observe, Pleistocene epoch. Large shallow and sandy without diving, these beautiful seabeds. bays alternate with headlands and straight Of particular interest and relevance are: the stretches of coastline. environmental education Center dedicated In the seabeds of the area wide prairies of to the Marine environment in Capo riz- Posidonia Oceanica mingle with the coral zuto, where the aquarium is located, and banks of Cladocora Caespicos. there are the 25 underwater trails. Particularly en- plentiful species of fish such as groupers, thralling among them is the archeological barracudas, skipjacks, blue sharks and path, situated south of the aragonese ca- dolphins. stle of Le Castella, rich in historical finds the managing body of the aMP provides dating back to the Greek-roman epoch. 78 MedIterraNeaN BIOdIVerSIty Park-Catanzaro IMMerSed IN Nature aNd CuLture

ith an area of over 60 ha, in the W heart of the city of Catanzaro, the Park is an ecosystem where natural at- tractions blend with a significant cultu- ral heritage. environmental resource of extraordinary value, important open-air museum of con- temporary art and historical military mu- seum, it is a wide-ranging cultural struc- ture in a vast green area. Featuring a rich variety of flora and fauna representative of the Mediterranean area, it has, in the Val- 79 ley of Mills, with its scenic trails, its most naturalistic spot: 48 ha of forests of Medi- terranean essences, plunged into the ravi- nes of a stream, it represent an uncontami- nated ecosystem where also families of deer provements, the Park is a naturalistic oa- and fallow deer have lately found refuge. sis equipped for sports, play, recreation In the open-air museum, works by impor- and biodiversity protection also through tant contemporary artists can be viewed: specialized structures for the care of wild the installations by Cragg, Fabre, Paladino, animals. the playful aspect is developed in Gormley, delvoye, Balkenhol and Pistoletto areas designed for children and provided coming from the prestigious editions of the with slides, rope bridges, a cable pendulum. exhibitions “Intersections of Scolacium” re- Inside the “Park of the elves” there is a wo- present the complexity of the human being oden castle and a pirate ship. the large and the possible infinite transformations of space allowed the arrangement of many matter in a constant interplay between ar- jogging paths, different for slope and dif- chitecture and landscape. ficulty. the park is, therefore, both a cul- the result of radical environmental im- tural area and a resort for young and old. Nature reSerVeS OF tarSIa Lake aNd OF tHe MOutH OF tHe CratI rIVer eNVIrONMeNt tO LOVe

he Nature reserves of tarsia Lake and only ones established by the region at the tof the Mouth of the Crati river, in the moment, are wetlands of remarkable natu- , were established in ral interest, above all for to the presence of 1990 by the region of Calabria, on proposal migratory water birds, many of them nest in of the environmentalist association “Frien- these areas, as the white Stork that has beco- ds of the Italian Land” (amici della terra me the symbol of the reserves. the reserves Italia) and concern two important wetlands are also SIC areas (Sites of Community Im- 80 located along the homonymous river: the La- portance) for the rete Natura 2000, under ke of tarsia, a large water reservoir located the european directive Habitat 92/43/Cee. in the higher part of the Strette di tarsia, the management of the two protected are- falling within the municipalities of tarsia as on the Crati, as a result of subsequent and S. Sophia d’epiro and the mouth of the amendments of the law (Lr of Calabria No. river Crati, falling within the municipalities 52 of 05.05.90), has been entrusted to the of Corigliano Calabro and Cassano lonio association “Friends of the Italian Land” (between the villages of thurio and Laghi (amici della terra Italia) as managing body. di Sibari). the extension of the two areas is among the services that have been laun- about 600 hectares. the two reserves, the ched, the most important ones are the Visi- tor Centres of tarsia (Via Garibaldi, 4 – Pa- Other services provided by the reserves, lazzo rossi), of Santa Sofia d’epiro (Largo especially for schools of all levels, are: the trapesa, 1 - Palazzo Bugliari), of Schiavo- Laboratory of Botany, the Naturalistic Li- nea of Corigliano Calabro (torre del Cupo brary of Calabria with its Centre of environ- e Palazzo delle Fiere). Worth visiting is the mental documentation about the protected Natural History Museum of Calabria with areas of the region of Calabria, the Centre Sections in tarsia, hosting the dioramas of Naturalistic Graphics, the Laboratory of dedicated to protected areas of Calabria, environmental analysis and the environ- 81 in Santa Sofia d’epiro, with the Section of mental lnfo-Point of the region, housed in the Herbarium of the river Crati, in Schia- Palazzo rossi, one of the most beautiful pa- vonea of Corigliano Calabro, in torre del trician palaces of tarsia. Finally, the SPea Cupo, where the dioramas aquariums of (Permanent School of environmental edu- the Mediterranean Sea is located, Cassano cation), housed in Schiavonea of Corigliano allo Ionio, where the section dedicated to Calabro inside the Palazzo delle Fiere, or the Sciences of the earth (mineralogical Quadrato Compagna, another historical re- and geologic collections of Calabria) will sidence of the mid-nineteenth century, be- be set up. longed to the Barons Compagna. reGIONaL MarINe ParkS dIVING aMONG turtLeS aNd StarFISH

reGIONaL MarINe Park reGIONaL MarINe Park “rIVIera deI CedrI” (Coast of the Cedars) “COaSt OF JaSMINS” Particular species of protected birds live in the park administrates one of the Calabrian the area of the Marine Park; onshore there areas with the highest natural value that are over three hundred vegetable species concerns the stretch of coastline between belonging to the Maquis shrubland (the Cape Bruzzano and Punta di Spropoli. the Italian macchia mediterranea) and among sea turtle Caretta Caretta, a protected species, them some rare endemic species such as nests in this area of great naturalistic interest. the Primula of Palinuro and the Garofano the Marine Park has the following objectives: delle rupi (Carnation of the Cliffs), in the the preservation of vegetable and animal sea beds there are: a forest of paramuricee species, of biological communities, of faunal (sea fans), a flourishing prairie of Posido- singularities, the protection of biodiversity 82 nia Oceanica, many species of fish. this and the equilibrium of the landscape values underwater world is, especially for divers, of the territory, scientific knowledge of the a treasure chest. flora and fauna for monitoring and census But also historical landscapes, breath-taking purposes. the municipalities which fall within views, natural sites, observation points, the protected area are Brancaleone, Palizzi, maritime traditions, ancient stories, make Ferruzzano, Buzzano, Zeffirio and Bianco. up the total patrimony of our region. reGIONaL MarINe Park “SOVeratO Bay” the Marine regional Park of “Soverato Bay” is located on the Ionian coast, in the bay of Soverato, where two small streams flow into the sea. the park was created to preserve the flora and fauna, for land preservation, for the scientific study of marine populations including seahorses that have taken possession of this bay and their presence here is very high; two species with higher density “Hippocampus and recreational interest. the sea beds are characterized by one of the most beautiful examples of Mediterranean flora and fauna, particularly for the presence of extensive prairies of Posidonia Climax, characterized by a high biodiversity, an important nursery for fish, and for avoiding coastal erosion.

reGIONaL MarINe Park “ISCa rOCkS” the marine protected area of the regional Marine Park “Isca rocks” is located in the enchanting stretch of sea between the towns of amantea (CS) and of Belmonte Calabro (Cs) that represent the Park Community. In this area you can see the two rocks of Isca emerging from the sea water; they are called Big Isca (Isca grande) and Small Isca (Isca 83 hippocampus “and “Hippocampus guttulatus”, piccolo), already known at the time of Homer. as endangered species, are both included in the It was established in 1991, by the will of WWF list of CIteS - “Convention on International Italy, as the Blue Oasis “Isca rocks”. the sea trade in endangered Species of Wild Fauna beds of the Marine Park reach a depth of 25 and Flora.” It is not difficult to find even the meters and contain a marine universe of great “needle fish” or the shellfish tuna galley in interest. In fact, regarding the fauna, you can the list of protection of the Bern Convention. see different species of animals: the dusky grouper is the symbol of the Park, Bernard reGIONaL MarINe Park the hermit crab, sea anemones, red scorpion “COaSt OF tHe GOdS” fish, sea urchins, starfish, moray eels and the marine environment that characterizes many other species. as for the flora, we can the sea beds falling within the municipalities observe the plant Posidonia oceanica, which of Pizzo, Vibo Valentia, , , forms a vast underwater prairie; the latter , and , is a homoge- is so important that in the sea beds of the neous system of biodiversity characterized marine protected area a Site of Community by the presence of animal and vegetable Importance (SIC) and 48 different algal species species of great natural, cultural, educational have been detected. 84 he particular and vari- ed morphology of Calabria tland has made the develop- ment of many outdoor sports possi- ble, fully in direct contact with an uncontaminated wild nature both on the coasts and inlands. In this way lots of unknown natural are- as can be visited and explored, also thanks to specific activities and extreme sports in symbiosis with the natural environment.

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SPOrt aNd adVeNture Water sports

raFtING CaNyONING In the gorges of Lao river, that is a bio-energetic re- It consists in dropping water courses, which are not serve, many sport clubs offer river rafting , one of the viable. You ride down just following water direction most exciting water sports, consisting in crossing the only in rare exceptions you can also go upriver. It is waters on board of special inflatable rafts. This sport an extreme sport , only known in these last years. is an ideal sport for everybody but mainly for those The National Pollino Park rich in waterways permits who love nature and are in search of strong emotions. to practice this sport largely. The most frequented and suggestive places are Raganello and Iannello HydrOSPeed rivers, Lao river’s tributaries. Just a minimum physi- Swimming in wild rivers riding their currents. cal training is requested but those who practice this sport merge themselves with nature, in places really HOt dOG different and far from those of daily life, experien- Simple, funny, sure. Kayak – Raft, also named Hot cing dives, jumps, slides, rope progressions and a Dog, is a middle way sport between canoe and raf- very beautiful landscape. 86 ting, a pretty sure way to ride a river in rafts in te- ams of 1 or 2 people using paddles. CLIMBING practise this sport. It is aimed at expert hikers always It is a kind of sport on cliffs wich can be equipped accompanied by a guide. for different technical difficulties: from the simpler for beginners, to more difficult ones for trained and POtHOLING expert climbers. It is necessary to be rightly equip- It refers to the act of exploring potholes and natural ped and trained according to the different degrees caves in Calabria. We speak about tout-court or ur- of difficulty. It is for good hikers or newbies if ac- ban potholing when we explore potholes created by companied by a trainer. nature (caves) or by men (artificial caves). Calabria is rich both in natural and artificial caves and we only BaNCHISMO know a minimum number of them. That is why this It is a very new sport to be practiced on partially particular sport is all to be experienced. The most equipped rockfaces with different degrees of techni- important caves are: The S. Angelo Caves in Cassa- cal difficulties. It was introduced by shepherds who no allo Jonio (Cs), The Monaca Cave in Sant’Agata led the goats out to pasture along the step rocky hil- d’Esaro (Cs). In the fortieth place among the world ls terraces of the Raganello. It is necessary to be deepest caves there is the Bifurto Abyss in Cerchia- 87 well trained and equipped, with vertigo absence, to ra di Calabria and the caves of Verzino in Crotone. Seawater sports

The 800 km of Calabria coast with its wonderful seabed are a real paradise for those who love di- ving and every other kind of sports in sea water, from the exciting kitesurf to the relaxing fishing.

SPOrt FISHING There are a lot of sites in Calabria where to do this exciting sport activity which registered so many followers that operators involved in this sector de- cided to go on implementing it. Sport fishing has been a new answer to the market demand of di- versifying and retraining the already existing fishing traditional activities. Hence the answer to reach a ‘responsible tourism’. 88 dIVING Diving means to discover the charm of wrecks, which all the Ionic coast is full of. You ca do diving along the coast up to the Messina Stretto, from Pal- mi seabed, among the most beautiful and rich in Mediterranean sea, to that sandy and rocky one of Isca Blue Oasis in High Ionic coast as well as betwe- en Caminia and Soverato, to the mysterious caves of the Gods Coast. Basic sports

BY visiting the Calabria Parks you can discover a still wild nature and so enjoy your holiday time in wonderful landscapes and delight by practicing trekking, the pretty funny and healthy nordik wal- king, the relaxing horse riding , the mountain-bike tours and the suggestive hiking tours by quad or jeep. In winter those who love the high mountain go mountaineering on Pollino.

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air sports

Skydiving, paragliding and scenic flights on helicop- ter tours to enjoy the coasts and mountains landsca- pes of Calabria.